Chevron has shown interest in exploring hydrocarbon resources in Greece, focusing on areas southwest of the Peloponnese and west of Crete, according to the Greek Energy Ministry. The government plans to expand exploration zones by 25% and launch an international tender, emphasising Greece’s role in the global energy market amid efforts to reduce reliance on Russian gas.
A tragic fire at a nursing home in Barajevo, Belgrade, claimed eight lives and injured seven others early this morning. Emergency services rescued 13 residents from the blaze, which erupted around 3:30 a.m. local time. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, while officials expressed condolences to the victims’ families and commended the swift response of firefighters.
Greek lawyers have announced a two-day nationwide strike on January 23-24 to protest a bill aimed at combating gender-based violence. While supporting the fight against domestic violence, they argue the bill violates constitutional principles, including the presumption of innocence, and raises legal concerns. The strike aims to highlight these issues.
The trial of the four Blue Horizon crew members involved in the tragic death of Antonis Kargiotis began today in Piraeus. The case centers around a shocking video that showed the ship’s first mate pushing Antonis off the boarding ramp, leading to his fatal fall into the sea. The crew members face serious charges, including manslaughter and abuse of authority, while the video is credited with revealing the truth behind the incident and bringing the case to light.
An unidentified arsonist set fire to a car without license plates on Errikos Slimane Street in Patisia, causing flames to spread and destroy three vehicles while damaging four others. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze, and evidence of flammable liquid was found at the scene, pointing to deliberate arson.
The Greek Parliament has approved new regulations for short-term rentals, removing the “residential” requirement to allow non-residential properties to qualify. The changes, set to take effect by October 2025, introduce stricter safety and functionality standards while granting broader ministerial authority to modify rules, sparking industry debate over regulatory consistency.
In a landmark operation, Greek F-16 Viper jets completed their first non-exercise interception mission, responding to Turkish airspace violations during the “Blue Homeland” military exercise. The swift response highlighted Greece’s upgraded air defense capabilities amid ongoing regional tensions.
Nine individuals have been detained in Thessaloniki for the illegal detention and abuse of seven Moroccan nationals. The victims were held hostage in an abandoned house near the Roma settlement of Agia Sophia, where they were beaten and forced to demand additional payment from their families. Authorities uncovered the operation following emergency calls and a video showing the abuse. The suspects, including a Pakistani national, face charges of trafficking and illegal detention. The investigation reveals the involvement of at least seven others in the trafficking ring.
Greek long jumper Miltiadis Tentoglou has been named the Best Balkan Athlete of the Year for 2024, marking a historic achievement for Greece. The Olympic gold medalist, who is also the reigning World Indoor and European Champion, topped the annual poll with 61 votes. Tentoglou is the first Greek athlete in 15 years to win this prestigious title. Romanian swimmer David Popovici and Serbian NBA star Nikola Jokic rounded out the top three.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is attending the European People’s Party (EPP) leaders’ summit in Berlin, where he will meet with key figures, including CDU leader Friedrich Merz, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. The summit’s agenda focuses on the EU’s global position, security, economic competition, and reducing bureaucracy, with discussions held just ahead of the German elections and US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Greece’s Ambassador to the US, Ekaterini Nassika, recently met with newly elected Greek-American members of Congress, Congresswoman Maggie Tamposi Goodlander and Congressman Mike Haridopoulos. During the meetings, Ambassador Nassika congratulated the lawmakers on their elections and highlighted the significance of their roles in strengthening the bond between Greece and the United States.
Greece reported a record primary surplus of €8.6 billion in 2024, significantly surpassing the target of €4.6 billion. Economy Minister Kostis Hatzidakis attributed the success to increased revenues from reduced tax evasion and stronger-than-expected growth. Looking ahead to 2025, the government plans further tax cuts for the middle class and a focus on microeconomic policies to boost investments, exports, and economic competitiveness.
The EU’s migration commissioner, Magnus Brunner, reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to prioritising deportations during a visit to Greece, a major entry point for migrants into Europe. Speaking with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Brunner emphasized the importance of implementing the EU’s new Migration and Asylum Pact. The visit follows increased scrutiny of Greece’s migration policies amid rising migrant arrivals and a recent European court ruling on illegal deportations.
The Greek Ministry of Education and the Ministry of National Defence have announced the application period for the Preliminary Examinations (PKE) for Military Schools. Candidates can submit documents online from 27 January to 7 February 2025. In addition to documentation, applicants must pass psychometric, medical, and sports tests. Full details are available on the General Staff of the Armed Forces website.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kostas Fragogiannis has resigned for personal reasons, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressing gratitude for his service. New Democracy MP Tassos Hatzivasiliou will take over as Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy and Openness, with the swearing-in ceremony set for January 20. Fragogiannis will remain an unpaid adviser on international outreach.
At least 33 people have died and 48 others hospitalized in Istanbul due to methanol poisoning from adulterated alcohol, according to Turkish authorities. Four suspects have been arrested for selling the illicit beverages, as critics blame high alcohol taxes for fueling illegal production. This incident highlights ongoing public health risks and economic challenges in Turkey.
A major cyberattack from abroad has targeted Greece’s SYZEFXIS public-sector network, causing delays in the response speed of several gov.gr applications. The Greek Ministry of Digital Governance has identified the attack as a Denial-of-Service (DoS) assault and is working to restore full functionality.
Greece has been chosen as one of two host nations for the European Union’s secure satellite telecommunications programme, GOVSATCOM. This critical initiative will see a hub established in Attica, providing secure communications for EU member states and reinforcing Greece’s role as a key player in European security and innovation. The hub is expected to attract significant investments in space technology, boosting Greece’s geopolitical standing and technological ecosystem.
In a surprising turn of events, Efi Kakarantzoula, the woman responsible for the vitriol attack on Joanna Paliospirou in 2020, withdrew her appeal for a reduced sentence, bringing an end to a case that shook Greece. The court declared the appeal inadmissible, and Kakarantzoula returned to prison to serve her original 15-year sentence for attempted manslaughter. In a statement read by her lawyer, she expressed deep remorse for her actions and apologized to the victim, hoping her withdrawal would demonstrate genuine contrition. Despite the move, the prosecution questioned her motives, suggesting it was aimed at securing an early release.
METLEN Energy & Metals has announced a €295.5 million investment to develop an integrated production line for bauxite, alumina, and gallium in Agios Nikolaos, Greece. The project aims to increase Europe’s self-sufficiency in critical raw materials, with a production capacity of 2 million tons of bauxite, 1.265 million tons of alumina, and 50 metric tons of gallium annually. This investment will enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy, reduce dependence on China, and support industries from energy transition to defense. Production is expected to begin in 2026, with full capacity achieved by 2028.